Three reasons why Everton's woeful Derby run continued

Sport360 staff 09:22 20/12/2016
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  • Liverpool claimed the spoils at Goodison.

    There was plenty of blood and thunder, grit and determination and passion from Everton in the first-half against Liverpool at Goodison Park – but Evertonians left the famous old ground with an all too familiar feeling.

    Sadio Mane’s stoppage time goal proved the difference as the Red half of Merseyside tasted yet more success against their local rivals.

    With 68 per cent overall possession, Jurgen Klopp’s men dominated large segments of the game and ultimately deserved the win but here are three reasons why the Toffees came unstuck yet again against the Kop giants.

    Liverpool remain within six points of leaders Chelsea after their victory.

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    NO PLAN B FOR RONALD AND EVERTON

    Ronald Koeman was delighted with the commitment his team showed in the first-half – it was full of the pressing and aggression he has been looking for this season. The Toffees were on top for most of it but they failed to create any clear-cut chances and once the energy levels dipped towards the end of the first period, they really lacked the quality from there on in. The Blues needed to score when they were in the ascendancy but it was a case of hanging on for a draw in the second-half, and as most Evertonians would probably say, waiting for the inevitable to happen (a Liverpool goal).

    SUBSTITUTIONS

    James McCarthy was a key man for Everton in the first-half, looking to be back to his best again as he marauded the pitch and made some crunching tackles to get the home crowd on their feet. But the Republic of Ireland international suffered an injury and was replaced by Gareth Barry at half-time. As a result, the Blues lost crucial energy in midfield and veteran Barry was just unable to match his team-mate’s intensity and keep up with Liverpool play.

    Maarten Stekelenburg’s dead leg also forced his withdrawal in the second period – and while the Dutchman should be applauded for his willingness to carry on – the fact he didn’t come off straight away and Koeman delayed the substitution (Joel Robles was introduced) hurt Everton at the end of the game as eight minutes went up on the injury-time board. A quicker change would have benefited the Blues.

    It also meant that Koeman changed his tactics – and brought young Dominic Calvert-Lewin on later than planned – though the promising forward struggled to contain James Milner down the left-hand side. He could have opted for more experience in that situation, such as Kevin Mirallas.

    FEAR FACTOR

    It’s just one Merseyside Derby win in 20 matches for Everton and the Blues have a mental block against Liverpool. There was a sense of inevitability about Mane’s winning goal and many Toffees fans have admitted they felt ‘numb’ after the winner – such is the familiarity of losing out to their near-city neighbours.

    AND ONE LITTLE EXTRA

    Ross Barkley. The boyhood blue should have been sent off for his horrendous tackle on Jordan Henderson and struggled to get into the game, wasting possession far too easily and Koeman wouldn’t have been best pleased.

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